Today's Reading:O.T. - Psalm 72 - 74
N.T. - Revelation 16
Focus Verses: Psalm 73:1-3; 16-17
1Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - - - 16When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Insight:
I really appreciate how the songwriter, Asaph, is so honest about his feelings and doubts. He believes that God is good and that he is good to his people. He believes that those who are pure in heart can count on God's goodness. He admits, however, that his faith was on slippery ground. His foothold was shaken by the prosperity of the wicked and he found himself beginning to envy them. "What good does it do me to have faith in you God?" he asks. "I don't understand what's going on!" he says.
Trying to reason through the whole philosophical/theological problem of how God can be good while the world is so evil became oppressive to him. It was only when he began to worship God that he began to see and understand. Worshipping the eternal God gave him an eternal perspective. Temporal prosperity lost its shine and allure in the light of eternal destiny.
Response and Action:
Like the Psalmist, I am tempted to feel like faith in God isn't getting me anywhere. I can envy the wicked. I can lose sight of eternal promises when I see people who have no regard for God prospering and succeeding. Worship is the way to hold on to understanding and my faith. I will worship God, believing he is good and faithful to his people. I will worship God, believing that he is good and faithful those who seek him with pure hearts.
O God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. In your faithfulness to me, do not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Give me wisdom and understanding as I worship you and praise you for your goodness to all who seek you. Amen.
Proverbs: 12:28
"In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality."
Resources:
Cries of The Heart
by Ravi Zacharias
